Faces: Demonstrating against Trump
Following the recent American immigration ban by Donald Trump, against a host of primarily Muslim countries, demonstrators around the world gathered to publicly denounce him. Among them--on a cold, wintery Monday--were numerous Torontonians, standing in solidarity with citizens affected by the ban and others who opposed it on the grounds that it is both unconstitutional and inhumane.
Toronto demonstrators congregated both in front of the United States consulate and city hall, in close proximity to each other, that day. I was there to photograph the event but also show my support as a demonstrator.
As in my recent post on the Women's March Toronto, I decided to photograph mostly individuals. Their photos, often focusing on the face, I believe capture the personal essence of events. Though they minimally reveal the environment, the candid expressions of these photos invite the audience to determine what is occurring therein.
While photographing I am often reminded of French philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas, who writes, "The face is the other who asks me not to let him die alone." By the same token, I believe viewing subjects up-close invokes in us a deep sense of empathy, beckoning us to be compassionate.
It is my intention that these photographs do that, moving both Trump and non-Trump supporters alike to recognize their common humanity. However much we disagree, let us never forget to respect and honour the dignity of each other.
Despite political differences, we remain persons.
